Top Italian restaurants in Lucca, Italy
Top Rated Italian restaurants in Lucca
Top Reviewed Italian restaurants in Lucca
La Bottega di Anna e Leo
Ristorante Cantine Bernardini Lucca
Osteria Del Neni
Trattoria da Leo
Osteria Dal Manzo
Da Rosolo
Peperosa
Il Grammofono
Osteria San Giorgio
Osteria del Bastian Contrario
Piccola Osteria Civico 6
Reviews
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Friendly, prompt service in a great position on the terrace looking at San Frediano. We only had bruchetta and spritz but really enjoyed the experience. Clean toilets too.
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What a find! Good value for money, great service, food, excellent house white wine. Salad with burrata was wonderful!
Servers were nice and kind. The terrace is simple and nice. Overall great place that I would recommend!
Servers were nice and kind. The terrace is simple and nice. Overall great place that I would recommend!
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Pros: open for lunch after 15, rather fast cooking, pasta was ok
Cons: small portions, unfriendly staff, limited menu
Cons: small portions, unfriendly staff, limited menu
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Had dinner here yesterday with my girlfriend and we had a great evening! The level of service is high, the staff knows their food and wines. Plus they speak proper english.
The food is also really good. The menu has some beautiful and thoughtful dishes. We even had the luck to enjoy some live jazz music, which was not to soft but also not too dominant.
10/10.
The food is also really good. The menu has some beautiful and thoughtful dishes. We even had the luck to enjoy some live jazz music, which was not to soft but also not too dominant.
10/10.
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Food is terrible! Do not trust bot accounts. If your AirBNB recommended you this, they were paid! Food is made hours ago once, and reheated for service! Meat is dry, potatoes are terrible, pasta is overcooked and dry also. Avoid.
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This restaurant is one of the very bestest in Italy that we have visited! We appreciate the refinement of the cuisine and the monthly changing menu.
Salmon sashimi salad was just outstanding!
Desserts are out this world! You cannot go there and not have room for dessert!
We have stopped here twice while driving from Naples to France and will continue to do so! Lucca is definitely our stopover now!
Salmon sashimi salad was just outstanding!
Desserts are out this world! You cannot go there and not have room for dessert!
We have stopped here twice while driving from Naples to France and will continue to do so! Lucca is definitely our stopover now!
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Warm welcome, lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and tasty food.
We had a lovely time at Da Rosolo celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary!
After looking round Lucca we found many overpriced and with low ratings and we're concerned to find a good one.
We started looking early (it is very busy with queues at most restaurants after 7pm) 6pm we arrived here and we're give. Such a warm welcome and the opportunity to eat inside with aircon or outside. Outside we chose for the atmosphere which was great...
Our drinks order was taken immediately with our choice of Frizzante water (2 euros) arriving just before drinks. The draft beer was delicious and cold, the house red wine was tasty and reasonably priced.
We decided to share the steak fillet and had sides of salad and potatoes. Our plates were full (see pics) and the steak cooked to perfection (rare to medium rare) it was all super tasty and the staff were super efficient despite having a full to overflowing restaurant with queues up the street...
We also tried the home made tiramisù and finished off with a decaffeinated coffee.
All in all we were very impressed and thankful we chose Da Rosolo.
Huge thanks to the staff for such a lovely evening and such lovely food.
We had a lovely time at Da Rosolo celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary!
After looking round Lucca we found many overpriced and with low ratings and we're concerned to find a good one.
We started looking early (it is very busy with queues at most restaurants after 7pm) 6pm we arrived here and we're give. Such a warm welcome and the opportunity to eat inside with aircon or outside. Outside we chose for the atmosphere which was great...
Our drinks order was taken immediately with our choice of Frizzante water (2 euros) arriving just before drinks. The draft beer was delicious and cold, the house red wine was tasty and reasonably priced.
We decided to share the steak fillet and had sides of salad and potatoes. Our plates were full (see pics) and the steak cooked to perfection (rare to medium rare) it was all super tasty and the staff were super efficient despite having a full to overflowing restaurant with queues up the street...
We also tried the home made tiramisù and finished off with a decaffeinated coffee.
All in all we were very impressed and thankful we chose Da Rosolo.
Huge thanks to the staff for such a lovely evening and such lovely food.
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The best things were the ventilators above the tables and the lovely decoration. Staff friendlyness was ok. Wine was poor, food as well and prices way to high. The Gnocci Pulpo tasted like canned sauce. Not one bigger piece of fish in it. No drink menue other than cocktails. We felt like in a tourist trap. Didn't see any locals btw.
However the decoration was cute.
However the decoration was cute.
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We were very much led to this restaurant by the reviews of something different whilst being of a high standard. I can confirm the food was lovely and the kitchen was successful on fusion dishes with an obvious passion to be creative. We loved the decor, atmosphere, and potential when not busy to choose your table. Both gentlemen serving were fantastic friendly hosts whose service just enchanted the already impressive venue and dishes. If you would like to take a small break from traditional Italian cuisine on your holiday in Lucca, I would highly recommend Il Grammofono to anyone who likes a relaxed vibe with a serious effort to the balance and textures on the plate. 3 courses and wine each, just over 100 Euros money well spent!
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Friend and I went here two consecutive nights during our holiday in Lucca. I had the same meal twice, the sea bream with grilled vegetables and potatoes, it was absolutely delicious. My friend had the fritto misto twice. The service was exemplary, our waiter, Miguel was very friendly and efficient.
The atmosphere was relaxing in a shaded courtyard.
Highly recommended especially if you want to eat fish.
The atmosphere was relaxing in a shaded courtyard.
Highly recommended especially if you want to eat fish.
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Lovely authentic Osteria. The Florentine steak was the best I've ever had. Great recommendation from the staff at Tenuta Adamo.
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Fusion cooking at its most innovative, interesting and mouth watering delicious 😋 The short menu changes every month, and we totally appreciate their refinement of their dishes. The breaded scallops and the fregola were this evening’s winners for me, accompanied by an elegant fresh orange wine. We cannot wait to come back ⭐️⭐️
Book a table and go eat there before the guide Michelin people finds out ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book a table and go eat there before the guide Michelin people finds out ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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I've gone here two nights in a row, all I can say is that they didn't disappoint. Before so I've read many reviews which set a sort of a standard. Not only have they met the standards but they have overcome them. The food was full of taste, even a dish which is supposed to taste bland had some kind of flavour to it. The service was none of the less impeccable and friendly. The dessert was also tasty and well balanced. I really liked the experience.
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This place is the worst experience we had in all Italy. We are doing a reportage that features restaurants around the country, we had four guests with us from other parts of Italy visiting and we have been recommended to visit Osteria Dal Manzo. As we get there an older man greets us (it came up to be the owner). They seat us outside and he’s attitude immediately becomes condescending and arrogant, even when asking the most simple question he made us feel stupid: i.e: one of our guest was pregnant and asked if the “diaframma” meat could be cooked through, the old man answered with an arrogant tone that the meat comes the way it is without showing any sign of kindness. The food was good but the atmosphere was ruined by this old owner who seemed to be bothered by clients and preferred reserving his smiles to the table of his friends sitting next to us. The best part has yet to come. All plates start to arrive but one of our guests meal didn’t come, after 10 minutes waiting for his meal the guest asked and received another arrogant condescending response like he was the problem and not even an apology. HE WAITED 30 minutes for his meal and he ate when everybody else at the table was already done. The restaurant owner didn’t even offer an apology and made us all feel like we were in the wrong for even asking for his meal to be in time. The experience was terrible. The owner chose to be rude, negligent, pissed and ruined our dinner at his restaurant for which we were paying for. When we go inside to pay we ask please to split the check in couples so we each could pay their portion, the old man COMPLETELY LOST IT. I have never seen someone being abusive with clients. It was so sickening that it took me 2 years to write this review. It was September 2022. He said we were a burden, that he was tired and we were bothering him, he started slamming things on his desk, he made us feel so uncomfortable that we wanted to throw up. He didn’t even took off our guests meal or offered him an apology or discount but he continued fighting him about it. We all left shaken and mind blown. The old man, if he’s so tired and unhappy of serving clients maybe should shut down or retire instead of acting like a privileged arrogant old man. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER AT A RESTAURANT. I hope this review can aware many others from not supporting this nonsense while out there there are many restaurants and business owners that are happy to serve you and give you the experience you are PAYING FOR.
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This was a great find! Had a delicious meal, the house red wine is particular to Lucca and was so delicious. You must try the ricotta stuffed zucchini flowers with anchovies. Delicious! Could have had better airflow in the dining room, we were very hot the entire time even with the air conditioner on. But everything was wonderful!
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Osteria da Rosolo offers an exceptional dining experience marked by its high-quality, freshly made food. Each dish showcases the use of fresh ingredients, elevating traditional Italian cuisine to new heights. The atmosphere is charming and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions. The staff is notably kind and attentive, enhancing the overall experience with their warm hospitality. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Osteria da Rosolo is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and delicious Italian fare.
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Food was wonderful so as the atmosphere. We had delicious, perfect risotto and gnocchi, both masterpiece. Antipasti and vegetables in salad were fresh and tasteful, we stayed there with a real pleasure. The only obstacle is hectic service, they definitely had an issue with organisational skills. It was obvious that something is wrong between them and they cannot synchronize their work. All of the waiters were very polite and cheerful though. Strong recommendation!
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The service was good, but the poppy seed pasta unfortunately had no flavor at all. Good selection of Chianti served by the glass as we were driving and couldn’t order a bottle.
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Yes, there is fresh truffle on top. But the dish is swimming in truffle oil, overpowering all taste and making it way too oily. The service was nice, but unexperienced. Not recommended.
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A busy trattoria that is exactly what I think a trattoria should be, with no frills, quick service, the owner working in the business as well. Plenty of locals seemed to be dining which is a good sign. I loved the spare (pork) ribs with the roast potatoes, and the tortelli al ragù di carne was excellent. White wines were very limited, so we just had the vino della casa in a carafe and that was perfectly fine.
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In terms of Michelin star restaurants, this is a fantastic value. The waiter/waitressing staff were extremely helpful.
Having been to several restaurants in the Anfiteatro, this is the best value for the quality of food, but pricey compared to your average meal.
If you have one dinner in Lucca, consider Peperosa.
Having been to several restaurants in the Anfiteatro, this is the best value for the quality of food, but pricey compared to your average meal.
If you have one dinner in Lucca, consider Peperosa.
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A nice place to eat in Lucca. The tortelli alla lucchese Made with ragù was a real
Hit. Out Italian friends did not think our Florentina steak was as good as they have had elsewhere, and the wines were not easy to select what we wanted either. Staff were prompt and efficient.
Hit. Out Italian friends did not think our Florentina steak was as good as they have had elsewhere, and the wines were not easy to select what we wanted either. Staff were prompt and efficient.
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A charming place for a bistro style Aperitivo and light snack. Cheerful and friendly, simple, quality food at affordable prices. Loved it. The bread was traditional and the selection of charcuterie was delicious.
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Good food served fast for Italy, great location and ambiance, and an especially nice server who was the only person this solo, English-speaking traveler really talked to in Lucca. I got a few items off the contori list - the beans and cippolini onions were so good.
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Great place. Higher prices due to Michelin star. Be prepared for smaller portion 😊. Type of local Prosecco on the house
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We came here to get some traditional dishes. Food was good. Service was quick and friendly.
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This restaurant is situated just outside a busy square, so we were able to enjoy our meal in a quieter and more peaceful setting. The staff were kind and attentive! We ordered five dishes and enjoyed each one!!
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Finding this restaurant was pure luck but when we walked in they were fully booked so we made a reservation for the following night. After looking through Google reviews online this restaurant was rated very high and it is worth the hype. Although the photos you see here may be different than what you get because they changed their menu regularly. I’d suggest sharing but you can’t go wrong. They also make modifications if you are vegetarian or gluten free but options may be limited depending on the options on the menu that month.
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My wife and I used to live in Lucca. This was our favorite restaurant in town. You could just tell that every dish was made with such love for the food. We always took the guests who came to visit us here as well, and everyone loved the food. Highly recommend!
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The atmosphere, service , food were very good. But for the price of pasta the amount is quite small, for example, just 6 raviolis for 14 euros. We had to take 3rd plate for 2 just not to be hungry after😂
They take 2 euros per person for the service.
They take 2 euros per person for the service.
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Nice place to stop for lunch. Food is slightly different from all the other restaurants which is nice (brown granary bread in the basket). Got a caprese salad, described as cheese, tomato and basil. 1 leaf of basil is a garnish, not an ingredient. We were nearly finished eating and the waitress came and asked us if we were done, I said I was still eating and had bread in my hand but she cleared away the plates anyway. Wasn't busy, table wasn't needed. Lost points for that.
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Leuk barretje met goed eten. We hebben heerlijk gegeten, o.a. een lekkere melanzane gehad. Ook een leuk tentje om even wat te drinken. Terras zit op een autovrij pleintje, geschikt voor kinderen.
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Excellent steak and potatoes. The best tiramisu I've ever had.
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Awesome small restaurant. We’ve ordered the most different set of dishes for each person and everything was fantastic. Do recommend!
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Pasta was good, but the meat was a disaster. Is was very fat. It is not a local restaurant, bus the atmosphere is very warm. The service is okay, the staff who work outside were very sweet, bus a little inexperienced. They are overall very sweet and they they try really hard.
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Stopped for lunch for 2+4 kids.
Very good food, fresh and well prepared.
Extra points for the Carbonara and the gnocchi gorgonzola.
Very good food, fresh and well prepared.
Extra points for the Carbonara and the gnocchi gorgonzola.
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Whenever I'm in Lucca I come here for lunch and I'm never disappointed. Good atmosphere, great food and lovely staff (lunch doesn't have to be as expensive as mine but I go all in with 3 courses, plenty of wine, coffee and grappa!)
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Had the most wonderful dinner there with my family. The food was out of this world (incredible!) and the food presentation beautiful. The staff were super friendly and engaged; they even helped us clean the tomato stain on our daughter’s white dress by giving us a very special foam; it worked brilliantly! The restaurant ambiance was really nice too. Overall we had the most wonderful experience there and would eat there every day if we could. Totally recommend this restaurant!
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Came here from recommendation from my B&B host. The food was very delicious and the staff was very attentive. They were also very kind to a weirdo solo traveler like me :). I'm glad to have had the opportunity to dine at a place like as this.
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Frankly, food was interesting yes but not filling!🤣 we had to ho somewhere else for a good meal. Atmosphere is the square where another 10 restaurants that have more tables booked are present
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This place looks small and cute but packs heavy in terms of flavours. We had our Easter dinner here. I ordered pasta with salmon while my husband had the lasagne. Both of us were highly impressed with the authenticity of the food and taste even with simple plain flavours. So far this has been one of our best meals in Italy. The tiramisu was on par with other restaurants but the food was 👌🏻. The staff is sweet and helpful. We were seated outside with a cosy ambience.
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Cozy restaurant with extremely friendly staff. They accommodated our large group of 8, making sure the two children of the group were taken care of. Nice seafood options including Fried sardines and tender yet crispy octopus. Their cheesecake was unlike any other I’ve ever had!
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Zero stars.
Went at opening 12/12:30, for lunch by myself. No one was inside.
Employee was texting out front.
Asked for table for one, he told me it was fully booked and “shooed” me away.
Too bad, the food looked good. Perhaps if I were another skin color, a table would have been available.
Or maybe they just weren’t ready for customers at the opening time, wishful thinking though.
Went at opening 12/12:30, for lunch by myself. No one was inside.
Employee was texting out front.
Asked for table for one, he told me it was fully booked and “shooed” me away.
Too bad, the food looked good. Perhaps if I were another skin color, a table would have been available.
Or maybe they just weren’t ready for customers at the opening time, wishful thinking though.
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I cannot believe that if it wouldn’t have been for the rain we haven’t found this amazing restaurant. The atmosphere was so cozy and the service so friendly and welcoming. I had one of the best pasta in Italy, so fresh, so tasty that would come back over and over again
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So disappointed. There are so many other very good options…please avoid. We have traveled extensively in Italy, and this is, by far, the poorest dining experience we have ever had. There are signs in the restaurant, clearly for tourists, stating what to do, and not to do, and there are instructions on the menu about what they do not serve, as if to say, don’t even ask. When we were served our pasta dishes with dry bread, I asked for a side of oil to drizzle on the bread, and the server scowled and pointed to the menu olive oil, 6 euros. Overall a very strange, unpleasant atmosphere, not at all what we have experienced in Italy. We were a table of 4 and all of us couldn’t stop talking about the negative energy. I suggest they add to their signs one that reads, “Tourists not welcome”.
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I read some good reviews & saw a couple of bad ones but overall everything seemed pretty positive. This is the real deal Tuscan food! The pork cheeks with mash potatoes were to die for. Probably one of the best things I’ve eaten in Italy! Tortelli with meat ragu also good! You can’t beat the prices. 2 entrees, soup, bread and a bottle of wine for 75 euros? Incredible.
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Recently visited Lucca during Lucca comics and Games. We travelled across. Italy for 2 weeks and this is by far the best food we had during the trip. We ate here on our first night in Lucca and on our last because it was so good.
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My wife and I had an extremely nice dinner here; pleasantly surprised as we were by both the great food and the very helpful staff.
My wife has a tendency to get headaches from red wine, a man who I’m guessing is the owner of the place recommended a natural made red wine and she indeed has had no problems at all!
We drank the wine slightly cooled and loved it. The home made bread was delicious, as were all the dishes.
My wife has a tendency to get headaches from red wine, a man who I’m guessing is the owner of the place recommended a natural made red wine and she indeed has had no problems at all!
We drank the wine slightly cooled and loved it. The home made bread was delicious, as were all the dishes.
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The service here is exceptional, everything is taken care of smoothly. Sitting outside and enjoying the square is just absolutely delightful. However, the food is quite mediocre at best. The pasta came out cold and tough. I got the beef cheek, and while the beef was very tender, the chanterelle mushrooms seemed raw and the sauce was cold. Beautiful presentation but it’s all about flavor and texture for me. This could be a great place for drinks and snacks rather than dinner or lunch.
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Lovely spot for an aperitivo. The charcuterie board is massive and would be perfect for 3-4 people. Love the staff, too.
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We love coming to Italy from Australia and we have stayed in all the cities north and south.
Of all the restaurants we have been to this is the only one that exceeded all our expectations.
Authenticity, super efficient and very friendly staff, good quality food in abundance, inexpensive and great atmosphere.
How anyone could leave a bad review is beyond our comprehension.
Of all the restaurants we have been to this is the only one that exceeded all our expectations.
Authenticity, super efficient and very friendly staff, good quality food in abundance, inexpensive and great atmosphere.
How anyone could leave a bad review is beyond our comprehension.
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The most amazing meal! The waitress was very very nice and she explained everything. The food was amazing, perfect! Highly recommend this place :)
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Absolutely lovely lunch in a friendly environment. We got a nice smile and welcome, arriving without a reservation. Once seated on the patio, we enjoyed a very honest and authentic meal - one that had clearly been made from scratch with care and attention to detail. The house red wine was lovely, as were the dolce.
A lovely lunch - go, respect the traditional way of doing things, and best of all, try and speak a little Italian, the staff there are only too happy to let you figure it out and seem to be delighted you're trying! The prices are very fair too. Loved it.
A lovely lunch - go, respect the traditional way of doing things, and best of all, try and speak a little Italian, the staff there are only too happy to let you figure it out and seem to be delighted you're trying! The prices are very fair too. Loved it.
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The food and ambiance were really good! The personnel insisted on trying to speak Italian with us, which (to us) felt like it should be, as it is such a traditional restaurant. The only drawback for me was that the dishes were a little bit too salty.
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Amazing place! The food was delicious, and the service was incredible. I had the privilege of meeting Anna and she was so fun and lovely. We had a great chat and she recommended a few dishes to me. The others servers were also polite and friendly.
I had the bruschetta which was very very good. The local olive oil is to die for. Next I had the beef ravioli in ragu sauce, also very delicious. Very meaty and filling. For my main I had the luchesse stew with rabbit, beef, pork, chicken and potatoes. I really wanted to try something local and this was it. Overall is quite good, but there were some bones it. Didn’t bother me, but I know it might bother some others
To finish it off I went with the chocolate tart which DEFINITELY fulfilled my chocolate craving. Highly recommend.
Overall, this place is great but it does get busy. I showed up at 19:20 alone and I was able to get s table inside. If you want to sit outside you need to make a reservation, and if you want to have dinner here at all just get here when they open.
Enjoy!
I had the bruschetta which was very very good. The local olive oil is to die for. Next I had the beef ravioli in ragu sauce, also very delicious. Very meaty and filling. For my main I had the luchesse stew with rabbit, beef, pork, chicken and potatoes. I really wanted to try something local and this was it. Overall is quite good, but there were some bones it. Didn’t bother me, but I know it might bother some others
To finish it off I went with the chocolate tart which DEFINITELY fulfilled my chocolate craving. Highly recommend.
Overall, this place is great but it does get busy. I showed up at 19:20 alone and I was able to get s table inside. If you want to sit outside you need to make a reservation, and if you want to have dinner here at all just get here when they open.
Enjoy!
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High quality food, very friendly service. Great atmosphere!!
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My family and I absolutely loved this place. We got sat in a smaller indoor area off to the side that had so many cool things on the wall. The staff even turned on the AC for us and shut the door leading outside. The food was absolutely delicious! 10/10 recommend coming here, we will be back.
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Great food; good service! Pictured: Roasted veggies for appetizer; Risotto with asparagus and egg - was unique - utterly delicious; and Seafood spaghetti was tasty!!
Staff was a little...snobbish...at the beginning, but then seem to warm up as the meal went on....but not enough for us to order desserts!
Staff was a little...snobbish...at the beginning, but then seem to warm up as the meal went on....but not enough for us to order desserts!
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Best restaurant inside the wall of Lucca. The dishes were beautifully presented and the taste was amazing. The menu looks simple but each dish is a harmony of various spices and herbs in a creative way. Service was warm and pleasant. Definitely better than some of the other restaurants in the Michelin list.
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Nice, shady little restaurant. My son's choice was lasagna, my daughter had fried pork, I had gnocchi and my husband had Italian-style tripe. The food was excellent. My husband especially liked the tripe, because it was prepared with different flavors than is customary in Hungary.
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Loved this place, we came twice on our 10 day stay in lucca. The first time the wrong order came out for my main but it was replaced within minutes and it was delicious. We decided to come back for our last night we loved it that much and it was busy but the waitress was super busy but got us a table and food was just as good second time. Tiramisu is to die for!!
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I loved this place. So friendly people, romantic setting and a good menu. So pressure, you got all the time to eat.
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Ristorante Catina Bernardini, tucked away in the historic heart of Lucca, Italy, offers a dining experience that not only caters to your culinary senses but also nourishes your soul. Its low-key underground dining area is a charmingly rustic nook capable of serving over 16 guests comfortably, making it the perfect venue for special gatherings or a memorable meal with dear friends and family.
An evening at Catina Bernardini is an epicurean adventure steeped in authenticity and tradition. They truly live up to the phrase "slow food," encouraging you to savor the experience and take your time with your meal. For our party of 18, we leisurely enjoyed our feast over the span of about 3 hours, but every moment was delightful and never dull.
The restaurant's wine selection is superb, boasting an array of top-notch Italian and international wines. Whether you're an oenophile or a casual wine enthusiast, their sommelier is there to guide you through the perfect pairings for your meal.
As for the food, it's hard to find the right words to do it justice. Catering for dietary needs is handled seamlessly and respectfully, with an accommodating food allergy menu that didn't skimp on variety or flavor. The homemade gnocchi with tomato, basil, and buffalo mozzarella was a revelation. Each bite was like a warm embrace, the gnocchi's delicate texture paired exquisitely with the rich sauce.
The tortellini au gratin, boasting a hearty Bolognese ragu and creamy besciamella sauce, was similarly impressive. Meanwhile, the roast beef of melino, served with a refreshing salad of potatoes and parsley, was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful.
Vegetarian options shine as well; the grilled eggplant millefeuille with carasau bread, feta cheese, and mint was an intriguing blend of textures and tastes that delighted the palate.
Their desserts are another story altogether. The Panna "poco" cotta, adorned with fragole al balsamico, was creamy yet light, the balsamic strawberries providing a tangy counterpoint. The Sorbetti di frutta fresca di nostra produzione secondo mercato was the perfect palate cleanser, with its refreshing and vibrant fruit flavors.
The meal culminated with an exquisite cappuccino. Perfectly balanced, the bitter notes of the coffee harmoniously blend with the sweetness of the frothed milk, serving as the ideal full stop to a gastronomic journey.
In conclusion, dining at Ristorante Catina Bernardini is a delightful celebration of Italian cuisine. It's not just about the food but the overall experience. The atmosphere, the attentive service, the time taken to savor each course — it all contributes to a dining experience that you'll cherish. To those willing to take the time to enjoy a leisurely, well-crafted meal, I wholeheartedly recommend Catina Bernardini. Their commitment to quality is clear in every aspect, and it's a meal I look forward to reliving.
An evening at Catina Bernardini is an epicurean adventure steeped in authenticity and tradition. They truly live up to the phrase "slow food," encouraging you to savor the experience and take your time with your meal. For our party of 18, we leisurely enjoyed our feast over the span of about 3 hours, but every moment was delightful and never dull.
The restaurant's wine selection is superb, boasting an array of top-notch Italian and international wines. Whether you're an oenophile or a casual wine enthusiast, their sommelier is there to guide you through the perfect pairings for your meal.
As for the food, it's hard to find the right words to do it justice. Catering for dietary needs is handled seamlessly and respectfully, with an accommodating food allergy menu that didn't skimp on variety or flavor. The homemade gnocchi with tomato, basil, and buffalo mozzarella was a revelation. Each bite was like a warm embrace, the gnocchi's delicate texture paired exquisitely with the rich sauce.
The tortellini au gratin, boasting a hearty Bolognese ragu and creamy besciamella sauce, was similarly impressive. Meanwhile, the roast beef of melino, served with a refreshing salad of potatoes and parsley, was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful.
Vegetarian options shine as well; the grilled eggplant millefeuille with carasau bread, feta cheese, and mint was an intriguing blend of textures and tastes that delighted the palate.
Their desserts are another story altogether. The Panna "poco" cotta, adorned with fragole al balsamico, was creamy yet light, the balsamic strawberries providing a tangy counterpoint. The Sorbetti di frutta fresca di nostra produzione secondo mercato was the perfect palate cleanser, with its refreshing and vibrant fruit flavors.
The meal culminated with an exquisite cappuccino. Perfectly balanced, the bitter notes of the coffee harmoniously blend with the sweetness of the frothed milk, serving as the ideal full stop to a gastronomic journey.
In conclusion, dining at Ristorante Catina Bernardini is a delightful celebration of Italian cuisine. It's not just about the food but the overall experience. The atmosphere, the attentive service, the time taken to savor each course — it all contributes to a dining experience that you'll cherish. To those willing to take the time to enjoy a leisurely, well-crafted meal, I wholeheartedly recommend Catina Bernardini. Their commitment to quality is clear in every aspect, and it's a meal I look forward to reliving.
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Delicious local food!!! Very decent price for what you get. Good and almost suspiciously quick service. Owner seems eternally grumpy, but then again, you're not there to date him.
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We celebrated here the last night of our month in Lucca. We were so glad we did, the food and service exceeded our expectations.
We’ve been asked, “how expensive is Italy.” Nothing like US my friends. Dinner was just 76 Euro - wine, beef carpaccio, lasagna, and pork cheeks. Folks that’s all in, tax & gratuity and complimentary limoncello to boot!
#livinglikelocals
We’ve been asked, “how expensive is Italy.” Nothing like US my friends. Dinner was just 76 Euro - wine, beef carpaccio, lasagna, and pork cheeks. Folks that’s all in, tax & gratuity and complimentary limoncello to boot!
#livinglikelocals
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We waited a long time to try this restaurant and it didn't live up to expectations. We ordered the scallop and steak florentine; they told us it was plenty of food but we left hungry. The scallop appetizer was small and uninspired. The steak was tasty and fresh. The wine from Montecarlo was good. The sides weren't great; the salad had no sauce and was just hard bits of the lettuce, and the stir-fried veggies were unimpressive. (They also brought us the salad when we didn't order it.) The service was subpar; they didn't seem to want to serve us and we waited over an hour for the food.
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The chief proposes an amazing 7 service menu for the crazy price of 50€!
The staff is very professional, the atmosphere of the restaurant is nice and the service very efficient.
The staff is very professional, the atmosphere of the restaurant is nice and the service very efficient.
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Excellent little restaurant, friendly staff, lucchese dish options.
The pasta is either made in house or sourced fresh locally and was fantastic.
Well done guys.
The pasta is either made in house or sourced fresh locally and was fantastic.
Well done guys.
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We loved this spot so much we returned in a few days. Just lovely Tuscan cuisine, fresh and carefully prepared. Tucked away on a side street, the perfect spot for a.good meal in Lucca.
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Unfriendly waitress, the salad was sad (salmon was not available, avocado was still semi frozen), boring bruscetta and had to drink the house wine from small lemonade glasses. Overall, would not recommend despite the nice location.
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It's a little expensive in comparison to some other options in the area, but it is an absolutely amazing dining experience! If you are slightly interested in having dinner here I would suggest making reservations as soon as possible as it seems to be a very desirable restaurant.
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Stunning flavour experience. The staff brings amazing hospitality and the food is simply delicious. Fresh and flavourful. I wish more wines were available by the glass. Also, vegetarian-friendly. A superb choice for anyone wanting a gastronomic experience in Lucca.
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Really good restaurant if you want to taste typical meat meal (boar, beef,...) cured a long time. The flavors of the sauce were incredible!! Definitely a restaurant to recommend in Lucca!!
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This little place was recommended to us by a couple of seasoned travellers who spend several weeks of every summer in Lucca (lucky people!). It's an authentically Italian restaurant, combining fresh, homemade ingredients with simple but very tasty, wholesome food. We particularly enjoyed the 'Montecarlo' wine stew and the steaks (which were on a par with the wonderful Irish beef we enjoy at home). We received a lovely welcome and the service was attentive and friendly. We're so glad we went.
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My boyfriend and I spent over one week in Italy, and this was one of our top favorite restaurants. The bolognese was incredible, and the pasta with marinated sea bass was so unique and spectacular. Our waitress Francesca was very sweet and welcoming. We loved Lucca and we will come back here the next time we visit!
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The food was awful 😞. The only thing we ordered that had any flavor were the ribs. The caprese had so much oregano it was hard to eat. The tortellini in brodo tasted like dirty dish water with store bought pasta. The ravioli were again store bought with yet another disappointing sauce.
Amazing we wasted a meal here.
Amazing we wasted a meal here.
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This is a wonderful restaurant to eat local Luchese traditional food. It is not a tourist trap. The menu is simple. Everything is freshly made. You will not be disappointed. He fills up fast so make a reservation early. Has outside seating that is limited, but it it on a rather busy lane, but he has a acrylic fence around the tables. Insude seating has AC. Has only white and red house wine. Come hungry. The portions are perfect for one or two people. The family all work there and is such a fun and friendly experience. This is a true Italian restaurant like the food I grew up with that my Italian parents cooked. My husband had Luchese tortelli ragu, I had tagitalle ragu and my daughter had gnocchi pomodoro. Then our main dishes were rovellini with tomato sauce and capers, I had the beef stew. So delicious. We even took some food home. The bread is locally baked and was like a wheat bread. I did see some gluten free items, but call and check first. We are going back soon as we are in Lucca until the 30th of June.
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peculiar menu, all good in a nice setting.
service quite pro.
interesting complimentary chickpea hummus
the vernaccia by the glass was excellent.
tagliatelle with white vela ragù very good, toast also the ragù tordelli (though I would cook them more al dente).
enjoyed the stuffed zucchini appetizer
fair price
service quite pro.
interesting complimentary chickpea hummus
the vernaccia by the glass was excellent.
tagliatelle with white vela ragù very good, toast also the ragù tordelli (though I would cook them more al dente).
enjoyed the stuffed zucchini appetizer
fair price
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Delicious and affordable food.
Nested in a old town with classical interior design, nice dining ambience.
Fried items are definitely comfort food and uses clean oil.
Pasta are well made and flavorful.
Service staffs are friendly as well
Recommended!
Nested in a old town with classical interior design, nice dining ambience.
Fried items are definitely comfort food and uses clean oil.
Pasta are well made and flavorful.
Service staffs are friendly as well
Recommended!
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Hidden in the quant city of Lucca, downstairs in lower level - please note closed Tue/Wed evenings - tasty food, so delicious! Stellar customer service, smaller restaurant so the ambiance is on point and wine to match. Worth trying, I hope to go back one day = )
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Had the crusted artichoke and rabbit pie to start.
The Crusted Artichoke was a bit too mushy throughout, although the rabbit pie was pretty good.
For mains, we had the fried sea food and the leek tart.
The leek tart was good for the first 2 bites, but it was so sweet and overwhelming we simply couldn't continue eating it. The fried sea food was very similar - everything, including the veg, was covered in batter and there was no flavour variation. You were being hit with the same strong and overwhelming flavours on repeat. The problem with both dishes is they had nothing to balance them, no sides of any sort - we thought we may have ordered incorrectly (and missed ordering sides) but both dishes were recommended by the staff as-is.
The restaurant itself created a very nice ambiance and the staff were very friendly, helpful and attentive. It's a real shame the food was such a let down.
The Crusted Artichoke was a bit too mushy throughout, although the rabbit pie was pretty good.
For mains, we had the fried sea food and the leek tart.
The leek tart was good for the first 2 bites, but it was so sweet and overwhelming we simply couldn't continue eating it. The fried sea food was very similar - everything, including the veg, was covered in batter and there was no flavour variation. You were being hit with the same strong and overwhelming flavours on repeat. The problem with both dishes is they had nothing to balance them, no sides of any sort - we thought we may have ordered incorrectly (and missed ordering sides) but both dishes were recommended by the staff as-is.
The restaurant itself created a very nice ambiance and the staff were very friendly, helpful and attentive. It's a real shame the food was such a let down.
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Don’t be fooled by its location in the lovely piazza amongst the tourist fare. This is the real deal. We took the recommendation of the Michelin Guide and weren’t disappointed. We loved the delicious house made pastas and venison. Very creative cooking and excellent presentation. Not too be missed if you’re after fine dining.
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The food and service were great. I had the wild boar with black truffles and the dish was amazing. The only unpleasant thing is the menu - it has a gazillion different dishes to offer and it can be very overwhelming.
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We have been staying in Lucca for the past month and at last count we have been to over 14 restaurants during our stay. Lucca is definitely a town with great choices for places to eat, but with any doubt Peperosa has been by far our favorite restaurant and because of that we have been there four times over the month!!!. The food is absolutely excellent, beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. The staff and the service they provide is top class. We hope to come back to Lucca in November & Peperosa will definitely be our first stop. I am very happy to recommend this lovely restaurant as my number 1 recommendation for a place to eat if you are visiting lovely Lucca. 👍🏻
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Loved it here. It had a home feel. Food was tasty, delicious. Their homemade cakes are also great. It has a cozy feeling. Staff seems like family, really friendly and open. Service was fast. Toilets were clean. I would definitely eat there again.
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On a Sunday afternoon we stumbled upon this osteria. The fact that there was outside seating, and that it was full of local families (presumably fresh from church) drew us in. They advertise typical Tuscan-style dishes, and they did not disappoint. Since there were four of us, we were able to try a variety of plates - an appetizer, soup, salad, pizza, and main dish. All were enjoyable, and reasonably priced.
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A friendly, affordable, and delicious trattoria! The staff is wonderful and the food is excellent. The menu changes occasionally which allows for pleasant variety if you come regularly. Lucchese and Tuscan delicacies on offer.
For those concerned about summer heat, they have air-conditioned indoor seating. The outdoor seating is lovely as well. The restaurant is great for those with children as they have toys and entertainment on hand to keep the kids occupied.
For those concerned about summer heat, they have air-conditioned indoor seating. The outdoor seating is lovely as well. The restaurant is great for those with children as they have toys and entertainment on hand to keep the kids occupied.
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We had the best food of our 3 week Italian road trip at this amazing small restaurant in Lucca. Local favorites with an imaginative twist served by very attentive staff. This should be a must-eat if you come to Lucca